Thiruvananthapuram: With the coronavirus spreading, the tailoring units attached to prisons in the state will produce protective masks, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a Facebook post.

The CM clarified that it has been decided to produce protective masks in prisons as there is shortage and price hike for masks.

Production will start immediately at Kannur, Viyyur and Thiruvananthapuram central prisons. Similar facilities in jails in other districts will also be used. Kerala is tackling COVID-19 together. By producing masks, the prisoners will also join the cause.

The price of masks had increased after COVID-19 and bird flu were confirmed in Kerala. The mask, usually available for Rs 5 to Rs 10, where being sold for Rs 35 to Rs 40. There was severe shortage of masks at several places.

The shortage was caused by reduction in import. Masks were being imported from China.